Custom-designed test stand used for measuring strength of fibers made using novel rayon fabric production process. Uses 3d-printed, machined acrylic parts with electronics and custom firmware.
Design
Uses manually-machined acrylic, lead screw for sliding rail, plus 3d printed parts and standard fittings for connectors, clamps, housings, handle. Uses arduino-compatible load cell, LCD screen and custom firmware to display readings.
Impact
Test stand was developed to record strengths and elongation at break of fibers produced using novel rayon fabric production process. Readings were shown to be accurate within ±1%. Machine performed well during lab work with easy operation and no errors.
CAD assembly of full test stand (Onshape)
Section view of mechanism used to hold fibers. This system uses elastic bands to clamp the tested fiber between rubber pads
Data collected using tensile strength test stand on cellulose fibers which was later presented at the Canada-Wide Science Fair